Sophia's Diary Magazine - Autumn / Winter 2019 by Sophia's Diary

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Autumn / Winter 2019

Sport4Kids

Why Choose us?

We run Sports sessions throughout the boroughs of Enfield and Barnet in Rugby and Football for Children aged 18 months to 11.

• • • •

We also partner with numerous nurseries and schools in the area delivering Tennis, Yoga, Gymnastics, Dance, Football and Rugby as well as our ActivKids programme.

What’s Important to us?

is revolutionizing the way toddlers and children are introduced to sport throughout the UK.

We would love to meet you little one at one of our weekend or weekday development Centers currently running out of St Ignatius College, Southgate School, St Andrews Parish Centre and Bush HIll Park Primary School. We are also still looking to partner with further schools and nurseries in the area.

• • • • • •

FA Qualified Coaches Early Years Trained Coaches Montessori Teaching Methods Practice at Home Booklets and Nursery/Curriculum Pathway booklets to monitor and track progression

Our children’s health and happiness Our children’s Confidence Our children’s fun and entertainment Our children’s sporting development Our parents experience Recruiting , retaining and promoting World Class Sports Entertainers - Not just Coaches

Find us on Facebook: sports4kids Cockfosters & Southgate & Sport4Kids Enfield To book/ Winter a free2019 taster at any of our venues you can do so at www.sport4kids.biz Autumn www.sophias-diary.com

Hello September! This is always a new time for a change, new chapters, and opportunities. This year was my time to launch my first print magazine and I am so happy and excited about doing this. I have met and collaborated with so many people since I launched Sophiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diary nearly 4 years ago, but Natalie stood out and we formed a company a few months after we started working together. She likes black, I like pink, she is into superheroes, I love princesses, but we both have a passion for helping businesses stand out and helping parents create memories. She has made this venture happen to be extremely creative and skilled in media and design too. Our business and career section may provide readers ideas for new ventures too. I hope your little ones settle into the new academic year well, especially if they are starting a new school. A new school year can also mean a new time for choosing new classes and activities, and we are so lucky there is so much choice in North London. We hope this magazine, provides families with ideas for things to do and our children can create memories. Love your Editor, Andrea xx

To advertise in our next issue or join the directory, contact us: contact@sophias-diary.com www.sophias-diary.com /SophiasDiaryCommunityGroup @sophiasDiary9630

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Autumn / Winter 2019

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Contents 10

Power to Make a Change

Babies are born to love music!

Choosing Your Family Home

Interview: Primary to Secondary School

How To Save a Child Choking

Slime out of this World with Dr. Sergis

Planning the Perfect Party

Hungry Caterpillar Sandwiches

The Perfect Disney Holiday

Book Recommendation

Sophia’s Diary Awards Night

Mums and Work

Drinks - 5 Best Winter Cocktails

Fashion: Winter / Autumn looks

It’s Panto time! Mother Goose

Nail Tips and Ideas

What’s on in North London

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Autumn / Winter 2019

10-26 January 2020 Whole Urban Pantomime Autumn a / Winter 2019New World with North Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best www.sophias-diary.com 6Discover

BORN TO PERFORM

COMING TO NORTH LONDON SEPTEMBER 2020 MILLFIELD HOUSE, N18 1PJ www.sophias-diary.com

WWW.PLATINUMACADEMY.CO.UK Autumn / Winter 2019 7

Autumn / Winter 2019

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Autumn / Winter 2019

Community News

Power to Make a Change Edmonton based performing arts school project funded by the National Lottery Community Funding The “Power to Make a Change” programme will capture the young people’s thoughts, feelings and experiences and give them a voice. This will be transformed into a professional urban narration dance theatre production for the young people by young people. It will also be filmed as a documentary, to follow the 5-year journey showing the progress and positive outcomes achieved within the programme.

Edmonton based, Platinum Performing Arts, has been awarded 5 years’ funding from the National Lottery community funding to deliver our “Power to Make a Change” programme to the young people living in Enfield to prevent and create awareness of knife, gun, gang crime, social and health issues within the borough. A reality that our young people face on a daily basis.

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Aiming to work closely with various organisations including all the schools in Enfield to deliver our programme and with voluntary and statutory services within Enfield including Enfield Council and the Metropolitan police. In addition to this, Platinum is launching a college at the Millfield house in September 2020, offering RSL accredited level 3 & level 4 Diplomas in performance and teaching. Our passion and knowledge is second to none, we coach students and professionals to perform at optimum ability readying them for a sustainable career in the industry and further education.

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The courses we offer include Performing Arts Specialised in Dance (level 3), Creative Performing Arts (level 4) and Creative Arts Practitioner (level 4). Students will graduate with recognised qualifications that will enable you to be seen by industry professionals and take their career to the next level. “We offer scholarships and bursaries that are awarded based on a student’s performance in their audition and is given at the Directors’ discretion. The scholarships vary in value and differ from student to student. Scholarships can cover the full course or part of the course. We are passionate about giving everyone the opportunity at Platinum Performing Arts! Applications for scholarships or bursaries can be made when applying to the college.”- Nina Lewis - Managing Director Platinum Performing Arts is an organisation passionate and driven to improve the lives of young people and strongly believes that young people have the ‘power to make a change’.

For more info visit: www.platinumacademy.co.uk

#powertomakeachange www.sophias-diary.com

Autumn / Winter 2019

Music and Arts

Babies are born to love music! It is well understood that early exposure to music paves the way for a child’s future emotional and intellectual development. At the heart of Monkey Music is a progressive and educational music curriculum that supports every aspect of a young child’s development. During our classes we focus on five key areas of development – Social, Physical, Language, Creative and Musical. At the start of the Monkey Music journey, Rock’n’Roll classes provide an opportunity for parents to really bond with their little ones. Babies are encouraged to track sounds, reach for and grasp instruments and develop a sense of spatial awareness as we move around the room. Stimulating visual experiences through colourful props and dramatic rhymes encourage our babies to interact verbally which in turn develops circuits in the brain for healthy all round development. As babies progress to being able to move around more independently they will experience Heigh-Ho classes and start to discover musical pulse. Very young children tend to ‘think with their bodies’ before they ‘think with their words’ and Monkey Music songs have been especially written to encourage young children to move their bodies as they respond to the music. Through repetitive actions and simple words, our little monkeys feel confident and are able to express themselves freely so their whole brain is

engaged in processing new information. Children are so busy having fun that they don’t realise how much they are learning! As our children reach the age of two they will join our Jiggety-Jig classes which are designed to encourage early speech development and provide opportunities for role play and storytelling. More complicated songs with a wider vocabulary are used and children are now encouraged to play in short bursts of rhythm as an extension to the musical pulse or steady beat. By the time children are of pre-school age and reach the final stage of the curriculum, DingDong, they are able to compose their own graphic notations and recognise and talk about the different instruments in the orchestra. Many Monkey Music parents comment on the “excellent fit” of classes for each different age group and on the stimulating class atmosphere which is “great fun for grown-ups too!”. Many have also commented on how important Monkey Music’s pre-school classes are as preparation for going to Nursery. Teachers are amazed, they say, at the enthusiasm and levels of concentration that children who have been to Monkey Music demonstrate when listening and responding to music.

To find out more about Monkey Music please visit: www.monkeymusic.co.uk where you can book your FREE class.

Autumn / Winter 2019

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Southgate, Winchmore Hill & East Barnet E: southgate@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8360 2730 Potters Bar, EnďŹ eld & Cheshunt E: pottersbar.enďŹ eld@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 3532 8644

www.

monkeymusic.co.uk

nurturing a lifetime of music

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Autumn / Winter 2019

Interview

Primary to Secondary with Martin Lavelle

Sophia’s Diary interviewed Martin Lavelle, Head Teacher at Southgate School, to give parents an insight into one of the most important decisions they will make for their child. Hi Martin, can you tell us the most important factors parents should consider when choosing the correct school for their child? This is the big question of course and the evidence tells us that parents look at all manner of things when making this decision with some, whose children may only be in Year 2, already making decisions at least partly based on their child’s hoped for career! Some parents will choose a school because their child’s primary school friends are going there; parental conversations in the primary school playground at the end of the day also tend to heavily influence decisions. Other parents choose a school because it is local to them and others because the Local Authority has given them that school and they have no strong feeling either way. Whatever one’s motivation behind the secondary school of choice, there are some things that I would encourage parents to consider or to do. 1 • Go the Open Evenings of schools you are considering and maybe those of one or two outsiders (you might be pleasantly surprised at what you see) at least a year before your child is due to make the transition, so when they are in Year 4 or 5. 2 • Be honest with yourself; what school ethos would best suit your particular child? Do they need a bit more support than other children? Are they clearly academically bright? Are they sociable or more introvert? Looking round schools in advance and talking with the student guides will give you a flavour of the school and how your child might do there.

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3 • Ask them questions about behaviour, the quality of teaching and what staff and student relationships are like; students are usually very open to sharing their views. 4 • Look at the students when they come to school and when they leave in the afternoon. Do they look smart? Are they (generally!) well behaved? Are staff from the school high profile at the school gates, bus stop or tube station? (Do the staff appear to care?) 5 • Is there a SENDCO (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator) available on Open Evening for you to talk to? 6 • What does the school’s website look like? Is it out of date or is it clearly a ‘live’ document? What kind of things does the school appear to prioritise and celebrate? We, for instance, would consider ourselves to be an academic school and the ability profile of students who join us would support this, but we also put a real premium on extra curricular activities, notably participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

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7 • Look at the destinations of students who leave that school; where do they end up? Does the school acknowledge them in their prospectus or around the site or do they seem to have been forgotten? This tells you something about how a school values its students. How important are results and the OFSTED report on a parent’s choice? Whatever schools might think of them, it would be disingenuous and naïve to pretend that league tables and Ofsted reports don’t influence parental choice. How much store parents should put in such documents is more of a moot point; look at the progress that students make at individual schools. How does Southgate School ensure the transition process runs smoothly for each child? From the moment that a child is offered a place at Southgate School, a whole transition programme swings into place all aimed at ensuring that when they start here children and their parents are clear about our standards and expectations and what we will do for their child. Here are a few examples of what we do: • Staff from our school will visit primary schools to meet those Year 6 children who are joining us in September. We will liaise with staff there to make sure that we have a full picture about each child before they join us, so that we can best prepare to meet their needs. • A series of meetings are scheduled with parents and their children before Year 7 begins.

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• Cognitive Ability Tests take place before children join us to help us put them in the right classes. • All parents and new students will meet with members of the Senior Leadership Team to go through ‘A home/school contract’ to ensure that it is fully understood. It is discussed and signed by all parties. • We have a welcoming event for new parents early in September so that they can ask any additional questions and meet other parents. • We make it clear to all that we are a no smartphone school, a decision made as part of our determination to safeguard all of our students in line with Police advice. They are allowed to have a phone that will only make calls or send text messages. What can a child expect in their first 3 months in secondary school? It is my experience that parents tend to worry more about this than their children do! It can sometimes be that one or two are overwhelmed by the scale of the site, the size and number of the older students and the sheer variety of lessons and classrooms that they have, but most new Year 7 students just embrace the opportunities. Schools are generally very good now at supporting vulnerable or sensitive children and there is inevitably a quiet place and a member of staff who will ease their induction. Many Year 6 students are ready for secondary school even before their time at primary school is up, so they adapt quickly, make new friends and tend to throw themselves into the life of secondary school with all the energy, enthusiasm and effervescence that Year 7 have!

Autumn / Winter 2019

Blue Cycle Training Teaching Children and Adults to: • Ride a bike in Enfield and surrounding areas • Improve bike handling skills • Ride safely on the cycle lanes and roads • Commute to school and work by bike

Peter: 07949 191141

www.facebook.com/BCT66 www.bluecycletraining.co.uk / e-mail: peter@bluecycletraining.co.uk

If your child needs a new bike, have a look at: www.thebikeclub.co and use DISCOUNT CODE: BCT66 to get 75% OFF your membership/delivery fee and first payment!

10% OFF

USE CODE ‘SOPHIAS DIARY’ WHEN BOOKING

PRO ELITE FOOTBALL ACADEMY ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE NOW RECRUITING PLAYERS FOR OUR UNDER 7’S, UNDER 8’S, UNDER 9’S AND UNDER 10’S TEAMS 16

INFO@EFACADEMY.CO.UK

Autumn / Winter 2019

WWW.EFACADEMY.CO.UK

020 8360 8997

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Autumn / Winter 2019

Are you aged 14 to 17 years old? Do you love acting? Do you want to develop your skills in a professional, focused, fun environment? Join our Senior Youth Theatre Company for the 2019/20 season and take part in the National Theatre CONNECTIONS festival. No need to prepare anything, just register by emailing enquiries@weproductions.co,uk

Rehearsals every Friday evening

A production fee applies

W.E. are also taking applications for our JUNIOR COMPANY (11-13 year olds) Email enquiries@weproductions.co.uk for more details

Effective Tuition in Enfield Quality Teaching is Guaranteed! ‘A truly wonderful learning environment. Dr Sergis is a credit to society.’ - Facebook Review, 2017 • •

APPROVED AQA EXAMINATIONS CENTRE FULLY EQUIPPED SCIENCE LABORATORY

52E SOUTHBURY ROAD, ENFIELD, MIDDLESEX, EN1 1YB - TEL: 0208 362 1398 – contact@dsacademy.co.uk – www.dsacademy.co.uk

Autumn / Winter 2019

ONE FREE LESSON WITH THIS COUPON

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Education

Out of this World Slime by Dr. Sergis

How does this work? The slime and the plastic are both made of polymers which are simple molecules called monomers, which are arranged in long chains. When the chains are stretched out the liquid flows but when pressure is applied, the chains stick together. This is why the slime sometimes behaves like a solid but at other times like a liquid. Your slime is a plastic that contains starch, which contains polymers.

You will need: • Cup • Bowl • Spoon • Cornflour • Water • Food colouring

Method: Fill a cup with cornflour and tip it into a bowl. Slowly add some water, stirring all the time. Keep adding the water slowly until the mixture turns into a sticky paste. You won’t need much! Add food colouring in the colour of choice and stir the mixture until the colour has blended in. Pick up the mixture and see how it behaves. What happens when you squeeze or pull it?

Top Tips Food colouring is not harmful, but it can stain skin and clothing, so make sure to cover any surfaces and wear gloves and an apron. We’d love to see your pictures! Please post on social media using the hashtag:

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Autumn / Winter 2019

Boogie Bear Music & Drama

Come and meet our gorgeous Boogie Bear who will create fun and connection!

Mondays 9.40am to 10.20am 40 minute session Every Monday from 16th September to 14th October 28th October to 16th December • KB02 Venue Hire (formerly Kid Biz) 220 Palmers Green N13 5UD

Tuesdays 2.10pm to 2.50pm 40 minute session Every Tuesday 17th September to 15th October 29th October to 17th December • Raglan School Hub Wellington Road - EN1 2NS

Book now: www.boogiebear.co.uk Winter 2019 20 Autumn / www.hoop.co.uk

Mondays 1.40pm to 2.20pm 40 Minute session Every Monday from 16th September to 14th October 28th October to 16th December • Highlands Village Hall 5 Florey Square - N21 1UJ

07956 805215 Andre@boogiebear.co.uk www.sophias-diary.com

Our classes are suitable for babies and toddlers and teach water confidence, safety skills, and early swimming techniques. We have weekday and weekend morning classes in the area so get in touch to find out more!

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Autumn / Winter 2019

Most babies learn best when they see, hear, feel, touch, taste and smell.

Sneak a peek, it’s all amazing! Our multi award-winning classes will introduce you and your baby (or babies) to a world of sensory delights, where you can relax, spend quality time with each other and enjoy meeting other new parents. Specifically designed from birth to aid your child’s development, the programme is packed with an incredible variety of sounds, smells, sights, textures, music, dance, signing and massage – and you’ll never experience the same class twice.

To find out more:

Enter your postcode at www.babysensory.com Classes at: Barnet, Borehamwood & Elstree, Finchley, Hampstead Garden Suburb, Muswell Hill, Potters Bar & Southgate Finchley, Muswell Hill & Hampstead Garden Suburb

www.babysensory.com

We’ve done/ Winter the research; so you can enjoy the fun... 2019 22 Autumn

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Fun Recipe

Hungry Caterpillar Sandwiches

by Crafty Chefs

Kids will love this fun sandwich! Great fun to make and even better to eat! 2 slices of bread 1 slice of ham (or your favourite filling) Cream cheese 1 cherry tomato 1 thick slice of cucumber Small circle cookie cutter

Method:

1. Make a sandwich by spreading a thin layer of cream cheese on both slices of bread and add the ham.

2. Using the circle cookie cutter cut 5 or 6 circles out of the sandwich and lay them together on a plate.

3. Cut 2 small pieces from the side of the cucumber slice for the

antennas, GET AN ADULT TO HELP use a small knife to make 2 holes in the cherry tomato and squeeze the cucumber in to make antennas.

4. Use a dot of cream cheese for the eyes and chop the rest of the cucumber slice to make feet.

5. Place the head in front of sandwich circles and add the cucumber legs/ feet... serve with some spinach, lettuce leaves and chives! Discover more online at:

www.craftychefs.co.uk www.sophias-diary.com

Autumn / Winter 2019

The coolest and most stylish party you will ever have! We provide spectacular teepee and bell tent parties, for both sleepovers and afternoon parties. We have many themes available and many Extras that can be added, including pampering, hot chocolate package, movies package and mocktail package. We pay attention to the smaller details which makes each party unique, and provide personalised items on request. If you have a magical vision in your head that we have not yet created, we are happy to work with you to bring it to life. Indoor Teepee Parties and Bell Tent Hire M: 07944 887 135 www.indoorteepeeparties.co.uk

/Canvas and Stars Indoor Glamping Parties - London

The Favour Godmother - Maria Pomi

Sweet and chocolate treats made to order for any occasion including;

@favourgodmother

Child & Adult birthdays Engagements & weddings Christmas & Easter gifts For family, friends, staff, clients, teachers and many more!

Contact Maria on 07983 620244 or godmotherpomi@gmail.com Lavender Gardens Patisserie offer delicious afternoon teas with vintage crockery hire, party catering for children and adults, vegan options and party hire for your event. Lavender Gardens Patisserie also offer mobile hire of themed soft play sets, crafts, party food and party bags perfect for preschooler parties. Our party package makes party planning a doddle!

Use your Sophia’s Diary Card to get a 5% discount on your booking!

2019 24 Autumn CONTACT US: / Winter 07969 871 490

www.lavendergardenspatisserie.com

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lavendergardenspatisserie

Education

BOOK RECOMMENDATION by Kerry Okoluko These are some of my recommendations for ‘Back to School’ fun learning books to excite the imagination and enhance learning.

Little lift and look woods Follow a cheeky squirrel as it bounds through the woods, and lift leaves and branches to meet lots of other woodland creatures along the way. This charming book for little children has lots to discover and talk about on every page, from a sleepy owl in the treetops to a herd of deer between the trees and a mole digging underground.

TOP RECOMMENDATION: The Usborne book of the Moon For thousands of years, the Moon has been the one thing in the night sky that everyone anywhere on our planet recognises. Trace the story of the Moon around the world and through history, from ancient legends about its creation, to its first sighting through a telescope, right up until the Apollo 11 mission and the first Moon landing in 1969.

Money for beginners (age 8+) An informative introduction to the world of money, covering everything from bank accounts, earning and borrowing to government spending, taxes and inflation. With bright, infographic pictures, a detailed glossary and links to specially selected websites where you can visit a virtual bank, see money from around the world and more.

Looking after your mental health (age 11+) We talk about our physical health - but not so much about how we’re feeling. With lots of practical advice, this lively, accessible guide explains why we have emotions, and what can influence them. Covering everything from friendships, social media and bullying to divorce, depression and eating disorders, this is an essential book for young people.

For more book recommendations: Facebook /Shining Stars Bookshop

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Autumn / Winter 2019

Interview

MUMS AND WORK Do you stay at home with your little one? Go back to work? Work part time? Every family has to do the right thing for them. Here are some paths different ladies chose after they had children. Kiah Nicolas - Full Time Working and Charity Worker Before I fell pregnant, I was a fully driven career women, having worked for one of the largest charities in the world and climbing from the bottom into senior management within just 3 years, I was hugely proud of my achievements and loved my job! At the time, I was the higher earner between me and my Husband and it made me feel like a lot was riding on my to get back to it after giving birth. As the 9 months of maternity leave rolled on, I became more and more anxious to go back to work and hearing about all the changes they had made whilst I was gone. I decided that travelling those 2 hours extra a day to get into the city wasn’t worth it. It took a lot to make this decision but it wasn’t the going back full time that made it difficult for me, it was the lack of control I felt I would have over my job.

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We were in the process of getting a mortgage at this time so this choice certainly wasn’t easy, but I had to do what felt right and I took nearly a 50% pay cut to stay local and take a full time job in the area. It was December, so close to Christmas and we needed to buy a house desperately, so I couldn’t wait around. There was so much pressure on me to get back to work. It’s horrible because you’re stuck in a huge cycle - You need money to create a secure home for the baby and provide the things it needs but yet the baby just wants you. My sister had her which made things easier for me, childcare costs would have made it impossible. My hat really does go off to the mothers that don’t have the luxury of support around them. I also did psychic readings on the side and had done so for around four years at the time. I had a great amount of clients, but fear stopped me from doing this full time as it’s not a ‘secure’ income. Whilst working in this new role, I was sent out into the world of networking which I had never heard of before. I quickly realised that everything I needed to start my own business was in these very roomswebsite creators, graphic designers and

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most importantly- HOPE! Every person in those groups were running their own businesses which just made me think ‘why not?! As soon as I decided that this is what I wanted to do, it’s like I opened up a weird path and I was overrun with readings every evening and all weekends. This meant my daughter didn’t see me and this encouraged me to take the leap to quit. Now I run Grounded Spirit and have done for a year. My daughter spends most days with me and I’m lucky to be fully booked each week. So although there was a pressure to return back, it definitely worked out well for me in the long run. My only issue with being a self-employed mumma, is that now that I am pregnant again, I worry about maternity leave and it’s likely that I will only be taking a month off this time so I don’t lose my clientele or following. www.groundedspirit.co.uk

Tania Asciak Violaris - Full Time Working - Senior Photographer My job title was senior photographer for net-a-porter. When I went back after baby 1, I was already pregnant and only went back for 5 months before baby number 2 came along. After baby 2, I went back and with family support we didn’t need to pay for childcare so it made financial sense to go back. It was very hard trying to find a balance though. The hours were long and due to that, the kids were going to bed late as they wouldn’t settle once we both arrived home at 7.15 - 7.30. They would become excited to see us both and would be up till 9 -10pm at night. As the

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kids were not yet at school, we pushed it out. As my eldest was soon to start school I started to think of a different plan so I could be home to care for the children and still work. I first started making cakes and also started training in photographing newborns. Still working full time, I was busy every week with cake orders and then fell pregnant. Due to a difficult pregnancy I had to stop the business plans. The plan was to pick them back up after the baby was born. Which I did. When my youngest was seven months I started taking cake orders again and planned to start a portfolio for newborn photography. It was never in the plan to go back to net-aporter at all, but financial stress pushed me to try. I was denied flexible hours to help balance my family life but still tried to go back fulltime. Due to a family incident, I now didn’t have the same support with childcare as I did previously. This made it too difficult to continue with three children in three different locations. After week one it was clear that this plan was not sustainable and I handed in my notice. My company name is Itsy Bitsy Love. I am currently working on the website and also portfolio building to expand to family photography as well as newborns. I hope to relaunch soon. www.sophias-diary.com/listing/itsybitsy-love-photography Autumn / Winter 2019

Interview Anita Anand - Franchise Path Caterpillar Music I was looking for something more flexible that I could run myself and I knew that I loved working with children from my teaching background. I thought about starting my own music and movement classes for preschoolers but I didn’t know where to begin. There was so much to think about and I felt that as I had never been in the business industry before it would be great to have some support and guidance. This led me to buy a Caterpillar Music Franchise. I absolutely love my job! w w w. s o p h i a s - d i a r y. c o m / l i s t i n g / caterpillar-music

Helena Georgiou - Part Time Civil Servant After having my baby and being off for just over a year, I decided I would go back to work part time. This allowed me to earn some money. I did not want to go back full time as I didn’t want to be away from my daughter for so many days. I am lucky that my work has given me the flexibility to work part time as I am still able to bring up my daughter.

Aimee Rose - Stay at Home Mum - Previously a Corporate Receptionist

Being out of the house for 10-11 hours a day while paying someone else to raise my baby just wasn’t for me. I have loved

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being a hands on mum to my girl for the past two and a half years, so now I’m retraining for a new career that will work around my daughter and her needs as she grows.

Rikki Parker - Multi Level Marketing Utility Warehouse I was searching for that dream middle ground of earning a great income for my own self-worth, to be able to top up my pension and to give me some much needed adult company and brain stimulation that I felt were missing. Aside from the flexibility that having a royalty style income gives you when partnered with The Utility Warehouse, it’s given me back a sense of identity that I definitely lost when I went from working full time to being a stay at home mum overnight. Since joining just over five years ago, I have helped over a hundred other like-minded individuals (many mums exactly like me) who were also looking for that little bit more, to start their Utility Warehouse businesses. Having the backing of a FTSE 250 British PLC gives people real reassurance when they get going that this model really can work for them too. I love supporting them to do that and working towards their own goals. Helping people has always given me such pleasure, so when someone sat with me over a cup of tea and quickly explained that there was a way that I could help people save money on the bills we all have to pay but hate doing,

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and earn an income to help my family from that, I was hooked. I’m so fortunate to be able to build my business from home around the childrens’ routines just by chatting to people I meet when I’m out on the school runs / playgroups / nursery / afterschool activities, not to mention when I’m shopping and getting the shopping to pay my utility bills! www.sophias-diary.com/listing/ utility-warehouse-the-discount-clubbyrikki/

Eleni Georgiou - Owner and Founder of Asterakia After the birth of my first child I had no option but to return back to work. Although I was very lucky that the school had a private creche for staff, it was still a challenge as my baby was still waking up several times at night and I was still breastfeeding. After four years, my second baby was born and my first child started going to reception. I started realising that it was no longer viable to work full time and have my baby in a full time nursery and my first born

baby in a breakfast and after school club. In addition to this I was already feeling exhausted without even going back to work. Initially I panicked and I couldn’t find a solution. After a while I took the decision to trust my idea that I had for many years and created a fun music, movement and drama class in Greek. I was working in a school only one day a week and my mother-in-law came to the UK for three months to help me with my new adventure! I was very lucky as from the first three months the community embraced Asterakia and by the end of the academic year I gave my notice to the school and focus in just teaching Asterakia. Despite the fact that I was working very hard and having your own business means that you never switch off your phone it does give me the flexibility to spend more time with my two girls and able to drop and pick them up from school. https://www.sophias-diary.com/ listing/asterakia/

Come and join our Boogie Bear franchise Boogie bear music & drama ltd is a successful proven model established in 2006 and serving hundreds of children in London and Hertfordshire. The classes have been tried and tested and voted best baby classes in 2018. Call Christine on 07989 877190 and visit our website www.boogie bear.co.uk for more info. Autumn / Winter 2019 29

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Treat yourself

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Fashion

Autumn / Winter Vibes

by ME Boutique

We love the varied looks at the moment, love how playful you can be with styles and colors, clothes that can be worn by all ages, mix them up, go for sassy class or go out of the box and funk it up!

£25

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Accessories £20

Envelope Bag

£30

Suede Bag

For more Autumn / Winter styles visit www.mewinchmorehill.com

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Autumn / Winter 2019

Environ Advanced Skincare Treatments at aﬀordable prices My skincare treatments and products help target the ageing process, repair damaged skin, increase collagen and elastin production. Also help with acne, pigmentation. Environ Stockist and sell a range of skincare I am also an Envi products, created by one of the worlds leading cosmetic surgeons. These products will complement your treatments and help you maintain a healthy, youthful Skin for life. I also Specialise in the LVL lash lift. Waxing both Hot Wax & Strip Wax.

Book now: 07852 716311 Southgate, London Home based Salon with over 18 years of experience

Keats Health is a lovely clinic in the heart of En󹀼󹀼eld Town. It is run by a team of 4 therapists (Rashmita Bedi, Soraia Crystal, Jacqui Fraser and Carole Mabboux) that work closely together to bring an array of services to the clinic. The services oﬀered are: Acupuncture, Allergy testing, Art Therapy, CBT, Chiropody, Councelling, Cranial Osteopathy, Deep tissue massage, EMDR, Homeopathy, Hypnotherapy, Indian head massage, Life/career coaching, Nutritional therapy, Osteopathy, Re󹀹󹀹exology, Reiki and Sport massage. Keats Health Complementary Clinic 18A London Road / En󹀼󹀼eld EN2 6EB / Middlesex - UK info@keatshealth.co.uk Phone: 020 8366 2300

www.keatshealth.co.uk

Autumn / Winter 2019

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SUFFERING WITH BACK PAIN? SURGERY NOT AN OPTION? IDD THERAPY IS FOR YOU What is IDD Therapy?

IDD Therapy is the targeted disc treatment for sufferers of back pain, neck pain and related symptoms such as sciatica. In clinics nationwide, this non-invasive option helps to bridge the gap between ‘hands-on’ treatments and surgery.

How does IDD Therapy work?

IDD Therapy uses computer-controlled pulling forces to gently draw apart targeted segments of the spine to relieve pressure on specific discs and nerves whilst gently stretching muscles and stiff ligaments. By reducing the pressure on an injured or bulging disc and stretching the soft tissues, IDD Therapy aims to improve mobility in the spine and allow your body’s natural healing mechanisms to operate more efficiently. In doing so, it can relieve pain caused by muscle spasm and alleviate nerve compression and irritation caused by bulging discs.

Who can benefit from IDD Therapy?

Typical candidates for IDD Therapy are people who have had back pain, neck pain or sciatica for three months or more and have not responded to manual therapy and exercise.

Reasons to choose IDD Therapy? • • • •

Some patients with back problems need something more than hands only treatment to get them out of pain. IDD Therapy is the disc treatment tool which can change people’s lives. John Yeboah Clinic Director, Enfield Osteopathic Clinic I had slipped-disc for 2 years, I had to endure extreme pains and spasms in my lower back. After the very first session, in fact the next morning, I managed to get out of bed painfree which I thought wow this is a miracle already. After my seventh session today my pain which was ten on a scale of zero to ten, has come down to zero. Maria, Enfield My condition was very debilitating. I hardly slept - I was woken several times a night by the pain. I had an acute episode and my co-worker struggled to pick me up and lay me in the back of my van. He drove me to Enfield Osteopathic Clinic. After a 25 minute IDD Therapy session I got up from the treatment bed and was able to walk out of the clinic. I was absolutely amazed by the immediate relief I felt just after this first session. As the sessions continued my pain eased a bit more and soon I felt like new again. Alex,PottersBar

Your current treatment is not working You want to stop taking painkillers You are seeking long-term pain relief You want to return to normal activities

Book Live Online

Call: 020 8482 1112 www.EnfieldOsteoClinic.com Enfield Osteopathic Clinic 93 Saint Mark’s Road Enfield, EN1 1BJ

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2 Mins from Bush Hill Park Station, with on street parking

Autumn / Winter 2019 33 IDD THERAPY

Autumn / Winter 2019

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Beauty

Winter Nail Tips and Ideas by Razi

Razi’s best tips, tricks and product recommendations your nails will be shouting ‘thank you’ for all winter long!

Do nails break more in the winter?

In winter, you’re constantly moving between the hot, dry air indoors and the freezing temperatures outdoors. These extremes can reduce the moisture level in your nails, leaving them dehydrated. Dried-out nails are more likely to break, split and chip.

1. Remember Hand Cream 2. Use Cuticle Oil All Over 3. Choose a Better Polish Remover For more nails tips visit /BeautyByRazi on Facebook and Instagram

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Autumn / Winter 2019

Choosing Your Family Home By Graham Julius This used to be fairly easy, you decided where you wanted to live, established your budget, put your own property on the market and then crossed your fingers and hoped. If you are renting you already know what your budget is and you know when your current tenancy ends or the break clause comes into force so all you have to do is start looking for your next home â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or is it that simple? In current climate where we are being discouraged from using private transport, you now have to consider the distance of your new home from local transport facilities, also which form of transport will make it easier for you to get to where you need to be.

Autumn / Winter 2019

Another issue as your family grows up, you may find that you need to live nearer to the best local Ofsted rated schools in order to ensure access for your child to the education you believe will be most appropriate. You should remember that you will not be the only people wanting to

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Property get your child into particular schools and that property values and rental costs are higher in those areas. For property buyers this premium will be recovered when you sell your property. Renters are not so fortunate but you will still have peace of mind knowing that your children have a better chance to attend the school of your choice. Stamp Duty (a horrible problem) now bites quite hard on properties valued over £500,000, so buying a new home which can be re-configurated or expanded is both economic and sensible. Remember to look at the

attic of your proposed new home – will it yield decent accommodation if you decide to build upwards internally. Also look to see if there is space at the side(s) or back of the property which could allow you to build outwards and even upwards. You can usually build outwards up to 3 meters (sometimes between 6 and 8 meters) without needing planning permission. You should consider the plot ratio (built area in ratio to the full plot size) of your next home as adding on extra accommodation is cheaper than moving and if done - well will result in your home gaining in value.

THE PROPERTY MARKET IS CHANGING 2019/2020 is the year for residential letting changes. Speak to us to ensure your property is legally and safely let and managed.

WHY SELECT AGENCIES? • Client-first philosophy • Friendly & trusted service • Local area experts • Est. in 1990

Visit us in branch or contact us on 020 8744 8744 | info@selectagencies.co.uk Residential Sales | Lettings | Property Management Select Agencies Ltd, 17 Ashfield Parade, Southgate, N14 5EH www.selectagencies.co.uk

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Autumn / Winter 2019

Let me introduce you to the great benefits of joining Utility Warehouse. Membership gives you access to the best value utility services in the UK with everything on one single monthly bill, and a host of money-saving member benefits including LED blubÂ replacement service & cashback on your everyday shopping!

07949 145677 www.rikkiparker.co.uk

i c i r t c e l e l a n o i ess f o r p d n a y l d Frien Kcm Installations is an NICEIC approved Electrical contractor Our Chief electrician has over 26 years experience. We specialise in rewires, electrical certificates and reports.

No Job is Too Big or Too Small! Please call 07970 254990 email: kcm-Installations@hotmail.co.uk / Winter 2019 38 WeAutumn Cover London,

Essex and Hertfordshire www.sophias-diary.com

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Autumn / Winter 2019

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Health and Safety

How to save a child choking? by Hannah Broady As a mother to a now 7 year old, one of my biggest worries has always been that my son might choke while eating. However, I have always felt more confident than my ‘mummy’ friends as I had been working as a private nanny for several years so had dealt with a few incidents over that time. Working as a nanny required me to have paediatric first aid training, which proved invaluable. Three years ago, I switched careers and became a first aid trainer and assessor. I knew how valuable a skill it was to me, and I’m passionate about helping as many people learn important lifesaving first aid skills as possible. I had no idea the impact my new job would have. Last Easter I ran several basic first aid courses in my pursuit of getting as many local people first aid trained as possible. I taught these courses and thought nothing more of it…

Not until I received a message a month later from a lovely lady who had attended the course. She had been attending a garden party one weekend where several families and children were in attendance. One of the babies started to choke on a piece of food. While the other guests were panicking, the lady felt confident to take over and perform back slaps on the child until the obstruction was dislodged, as she had learned on the course. It just goes to show that learning basic first aid really does save lives.

For more information visit www.train2firstaid.co.uk

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Autumn / Winter 2019

Extra 10% OFF for Sophia's

Diary Members

Fantastic Football Parties here in Powerleague Enfield, with fun & Professional coaches with free gifts included for the birthday child. All for an amazingly outstanding value! Ages range from 5-12 BOOK NOW: 0203 823 3277

/ Winter 2019 enďŹ eld@powerleague.co.uk 42 Autumn

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Party

Planning The Perfect Party by Andrea Krase What are the key things we need to plan the perfect party. Here are our top 5 picks to make any occasion perfect:

1 - Choose a Theme

Themes are so popular and there are so many to choose from. Princess, Faeries, LOL and Pamper are so popular with girls. Popular boys themes include Superhero, Pirates and Football as ideas. Adult ideas include casino, movie and fancy dress.

2Whether - Entertainment you are having

an adult or childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party, entertainment is key. A good DJ or Band will make a huge difference to the atmosphere of a party. We have plenty of amazing entertainers on the party planning page too.

3 - Event Decor

Balloons, backdrops, chair covers, lighting, drapes or sweet carts can dazzle a room. Ensure you have enough room in your venue and book something different and glamorous!

4 - Party Food and Cake

Social Media can provide some amazing ideas for party food. If you prefer to have it taken care of, why not enquire with a local caterer. Cake makers can make something special, bespoke and yummy too.

5 - Favours

Say thank you to your guests, with a favour. Something personalised is always a bit more special. Sweets, books and candles are often popular.

Check out our Party Planning Page: www.sophias-diary.com

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Autumn / Winter 2019

Pair of Diamonds Fun Casino will provide the entertainment!

info@pairofdiamonds.co.uk

Autumn / Winter 2019

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When I say “TEDDY” you say “TASTIC!” We are the ONLY 5 STAR children’s entertainers with our own bear stuffing machine and Sophia’s Diary’s FIRST ever business! We provide a unique MAKE A BEAR party experience for birthdays, christenings and weddings. Our parties include bears, arts & crafts, disco and FUNTASTIC party games!

We also offer our FREE hall in Enfield or WE come to YOU! Special offers booked before CHRISTMAS: •BIRTHDAY CHILD FREE •Class bookings HALF PRICE (after first 20 children)

Book now: 07956 575170 val@teddytastic.net

/TEddytastic

MIRA DEMETER PHOTOGRAPHY Children, Families, Cake Smashes, Events, Headshots & Personal Brand Photography ( Person at work)

Email: mirademeterphotography@gmail.com or 07976374412 For more information, visit the websites! www.miraphotography.co.uk or

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Enfield, London

www.thepersonalbrandingphotography.com

Autumn / Winter 2019

Travel

The Perfect Disney Holiday by Marios Constantas The thought of traveling with a little one can sometimes feel daunting, which is why so many parents with babies and toddlers choose a Disney cruise for their family’s vacation. Disney Cruise Line caters to all members of the family, and that includes even the youngest sailors. If you’re setting sail with a child age 6 months to 3 years old, keep these tips in mind for smooth sailing during your family getaway.

1. Take advantage of all that’s included Traveling with little ones on a Disney cruise is easier than ever with diaper disposal units, bottle warmers, bottle sterilisers, cribs, playpens and high chairs available complimentary for use during the voyage. Strollers are also available, but since there are a limited number, plan to bring your own – one that’s lightweight and foldable for ease of manoeuvring and storing it on board. When you visit our private island, Castaway Cay, wagons are available at no charge to facilitate navigating the island’s sandy beaches with toddlers in tow. Most of these items are firstcome, first-served, so be sure to add the request to your reservation before the cruise. 2. Reserve time in the nursery before you set sail Inside “it’s a small world nursey” hosted by Huggies, trained

Autumn / Winter 2019

counsellors care for and entertain infants and toddlers up to age 3 with toys, books, videos, crafts and games. At the back of the nursery, a separate and serene room is reserved for naptime. The nursery offers some of the longest operating hours and some of the lowest hourly rates for baby and toddler care in the cruise industry, allowing you to enjoy time on your own. You can roam the ship “worryfree,” thanks to an onboard mobile phone service that allows counsellors to contact you anytime and anywhere on the ship. And if you want to peek in on your child without disturbing him or her, you can glimpse into the nursery’s main play area through a one-way window. 3. Check the Navigator for special activities and play areas Toddler Time is a scheduled playtime where parents can join the fun. You can also play with your little one at Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab

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during Open House. If you have a crawler, do not miss Jack-Jack’s Diaper Dash in the atrium. I repeat, do not miss it! And for water babies, each ship has a fanciful water playground exclusively for toddlers up to age 3— and their parents, of course! 4. Let us help you make mealtime easier For babies, you can request fresh pureed vegetables and meat, both in the main dining rooms and through room service. When ordering off the kids’ menu, your server will be happy to cut up the food into bite-sized pieces for your little one. And when

you’re grabbing a quick bite out on deck, ask a Crew Member to grab a highchair for you. These are just a few of the things you can do to take the stress out of mealtime for your whole family. 5. Don’t sweat it if you forget it. Essential baby supplies are available for purchase at the onboard merchandise shops, including diapers, training pants, rash cream, infant formula (ready to feed), bottles, pacifiers, baby food, baby shampoo, baby lotion and baby powder. We’ve got you covered!

Where’sYour Next Trip? If you are looking for that perfect family holiday getaway then with my knowledge of so many holiday destinations I am sure to ﬁnd you your dream holiday!

Honest and friendly travel expert will always give you the best advice on where you want to go! Marios Constantas Tel: 0800 031 5235 / 07889 585859 email: marios@ite.travel www.sophias-diary.com

Autumn / Winter 2019

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Awards Night Sponsored by:

SOPHIA’S DIARY AWARDS NIGHT

After the success of last year’s event, we are so excited to be hosting our second Sophia’s Diary Awards Night on Friday 15th November at The Penridge Suite. This year we are going bigger and better with a full on Winter Wonderland themed ball! We hope our raffle will raise lots of money for our chosen charity Haven House Children’s Hospice. Why do we host the event?

In addition to the night being great fun, an opportunity for us all to get together, and members having the chance to dress up, it celebrates the outstanding work of our members. Nearly 12,000 people voted for their favourite local business last year, and the winners were presented with an award. Readers can place their votes using the link: www.sophias-diary.com/awards-ceremony

This year’s categories include: • Best New Business (Trading Under 18 Months) • Member of the Year • Best Baby Class in Enfield (Under 12 months) • Best Toddler Group in Enfield (13 - 36 months) • Best Pre School Class in Enfield (2 – 5 years) • Best Baby Class in Barnet (Under 12 months) • Best Toddler Group in Barnet (13 months 36 months) • Best Pre School Class in Barnet (2 – 5 years) • Best Singing Class • Best Class for 5 – 10 year olds • Best Dance School • Best Performing Arts School • Best Sports Class • Best School Holiday Camp

• Best Children’s Party Planner • Best Event Supplier • Best Family Event • Best Family Show • Best Indoor Place to Go for Children • Best Outdoor Venue • Best Eating Out Venue • Best Hair Provider • Best Beauty Provider • Best Spiritual, Holistic and Wellness Practitioner • Best Health Practitioner • Best Fitness Provider • Best Education Provider • Best Care Provider • Best Pregnancy Support Provider • Best Shopping Provider • Best Gift Provider for Adults • Best Travel Provider • Best Home Provider • Best Trades Provider • Best Business Services Provider • Best Charity

If you are a little business that would like to be nominated or attend please email contact@sophias-diary.com

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Autumn / Winter 2019

Food / Drink

WINTER DRINKS by Going Greek

The 5 Best Winter Cocktails to Get You Through the Cold! Here’s what to drink when the temperature drops.

Greek ‘n’ Tonic

Greek “old sport” gin, mixed with fresh rosemary, lime wheels and tonic water.

Cretan Collins

Lemon & Honey Ouzotini

A delightfully fresh Ouzo cocktail mixed with fresh lemon juice, a touch of honey and fresh mint.

Tsipouro (popular Greek spirit), mixed with fresh lime juice, vanilla syrup & soda water.

Espresso Ouzotini

A Greek-twist on the traditional Espresso Martini! Espresso coffee, Tia Maria and Ouzo.

Mediterranean Mojito

Metaxa (Greek brandy), mixed with fresh mint, brown sugar, lime juice, soda water

For more info visit: www.goinggreek.co.uk 50

Autumn / Winter 2019

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NOW OPEN

Enjoy our famous Gyros and Souvlakia or eat Mediterranean style by filling your table with sharing plates and ice-cold Greek beers. Be sure not to miss our delightful desserts!

020 3897 7746

Delivery available

18 The Green, Winchmore Hill, N21 1AY www.GoingGreek.co.uk

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Open Tuesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday 12.00 - 22.00

Autumn / Winter 2019

Women's Golf Beginners sessions

Women's Golf Beginners sessions with our PGA qualified coach Nicola Bennett at Bush Hill Park Golf Club Every Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m and at 6 p.m to 7 p.m. All equipment provided. ÂŁ10 per person. To book call 020 3146 9898 Health benefits for golfers: Low impact exercise Social integration Reduces stress and anxiety In one round of golf you'll cover 10,000 steps and burn up to 1,000 calories!

Bush Hill Park Golf Club Bush Hill Park Golf Club, Winchmore Hill, London, N21 2B - 020 3146 9898Â bhpgc.com

Autumn / Winter 2019

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Welcome to Gazelle Consulting We are an expert IT and Telecoms consultancy that provides independent and expert advice on your communication needs. We deliver a range of voice, IT and data solutions. We offer VOIP + hosted cloud based Phone systems to suit your business FTTC ADSL FIBRE broadband Reduced call charges and line rental BT phone bills 100-100 meg lease lines Maximum 75% savings on B Up to 50% reduction on other providers Telephone Maintenance contracts for all models LG AVAYA PANASONIC MITEL

We support and supply the following:

We offer a free 15 minute audit where in most cases we will show you your saving on the day Please Call Ryan Ricciardi for an appt

01954214540 / 07545326269 ryan.ricciardi@gazelleconsulting.co.uk www.gazelleconsulting.co.uk

We are based in EnďŹ eld We offfer online billing and management reports no hidden charges

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Autumn / Winter 2019

Art and Culture

Traditional pantomime grows in popularity year on year at Millfield Theatre. Writer and Director Marc Day takes you behind-the-scenes of the annual production to look at its history and growing popularity among North London audiences. The annual pantomime season at Millfield Theatre has been fundamental to the venue’s professional programme since opening its doors in 1988. Oh yes it has! Humpty Dumpty starring Bobby Crush was the start of successful pantomimes at Millfield. ‘It’s behind you’, ‘Oh yes it is’ and ‘Oh no he isn’t’, are famous panto responses put together and wrapped around a popular story, with singing, dancing and comedy, to make up what we now recognise as Pantomime. Creating a pantomime can feel at times like you are the curator of a precious historic jewel as some of the comedy routines and jokes (gags) we feature have roots that take us back to long before TV, soaps and reality shows.

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Why do I believe the Millfield Pantomime continues to grow? Firstly, the Millfield Pantomime has been ‘home grown’; created at Millfield, from the writing to the building of the scenery. It often comes as a surprise when people discover that work for the next panto starts before the end of the current one. The most important part of each year’s success are those audience members that remain loyal to our Christmas Panto, year on year. Just like always tuning in on Christmas Day to watch The Queen’s Christmas Day message, many of you choose to bring your families at the same time each year to enjoy the Millfield pantomime, and with that in mind, there is certainly a pressure to make the next years show better than its predecessor.

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2019 is the year of Mother Goose!

The story tells of how Mother Goose is about to be thrown off her land because she cannot pay the Squire his rent. Fairy Good-Enough uses her magic on Priscilla the goose (Mother Gooses prize possession), and following Priscilla’s new ability to lay golden eggs, Mother Goose becomes rich. The Demon Queen tempts Mother Goose with the one thing she doesn’t have – to be fabulous! She persuades her to hand over Priscilla in exchange for a visit to the “Pool of Transformation”. Too late she realises that being fabulous is NOT everything, and that she must get Priscilla back. Will she, won’t she, join us to find out.

Thursday 28th November 2019 Saturday 4th January 2020, Various times Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ Box Office – 0208 807 6680 Millfield website: www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk Suitable for ages 3 - 103!

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Autumn / Winter 2019

Events

What’s on In North London by Andrea Krase Charity Ball in aid of The Nightingale

An evening of live music and entertainment, drinks reception and delicious three course meal plus table games, fabulous raffle and auction. September 20, 2019 at 7 PM – 10 PM Forty Hall Estate, EN2 9HA

The Scarecrows Wedding Science Open Day at Dr Sergis Academy

Dr Sergis will be hosting an Open Day at the Academy with free food, drinks and exciting experiments in the science laboratory and raffles! Saturday 14th September, between 10am to 5pm The address is: The Dr Sergis Academy, 52E Southbury Road, Enfield EN1 1YB.

Summer of Spitfire

Children can learn about the Spitfire and take part in a range activities at the RAF museum Last date is 15th September RAF Museum, Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/

Autumn / Winter 2019

The best wedding ever can be seen at The Arts Depot this September 20th – 22nd September The Arts Depot 5 Nether St, North Finchley, London N12 0GA

The Mayor’s Charity Fun Run 2019

The Mayor of Enfield’s Charity Fun run returns in 2019 to Forty Hall Estate featuring the traditional 10K and 3K run for our young people. Sunday 29th September 2019 Forty Hall Estate, Forty Hill, Enfield EN2 9HA

Enfield Choir Showcase

This will be organised by MumSing. Featuring 8 Local choirs and 360 Arts. September 28th 2019, 7pm Enfield Baptist Church, Cecil Road, EN2 6TG

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Apple Day at Forty Hall

Celebrate apples, orchards and the arrival of autumn with lots of activities for all to enjoy at our annual Apple Fair. October 13, 2019 at 11 AM – 4 PM Forty Hall Farm, EN2 9HA

Fashion Show

This will be a designer open day with a catwalk of dresses and lots of goodies Sunday 20th October from 1pm-4pm The Winchmore Pub, 235 Winchmore Hill Road, N21 1QA

Play in a Day

Half-term workshops for ages 5-11 years. Over the course of an enjoyable day, through story-making, dancing, drama, singing and play, participants will work together in the morning to develop creative ideas that will then be developed in the afternoon ending the day with a sharing of a short performance. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience. Parents, carers and friends will be invited into the space at 3.30pm to share the day’s creation! Tickets: £35 per day Ages: 5-11yrs (from school Year 1 to Year 6 | Mon 21, Tue 22 Oct 10am - 4pm Location: Chickenshed, 290 Chase Side, Southgate N14 4PE

The Pirate Cruncher

Exciting, hilarious and comically gruesome, this tale of pirates, monsters and the ingenuity of one small girl is family theatre at its finest and silliest, a treat for children and adults alike. For families with children age 5 to 11. Monday, October 21, 2019 at 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM / Millfield Theatre

Enfield Wellbeing Showcase

Nurture your mind, body and soul. We’ve got everything from Acupuncture to Zen Meditation. Saturday 2nd November 2019 11am 5pm / The Dugdale Centre

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Captain Fantastic’ s Not so scary Halloween show!

“It’s getting spooktastic around here! Join the brave Captain Fantastic and his friends in a magic-filled frightfully fun theatre show for all the family to enjoy this Halloween season.” 21st and 27th October 2019, Dugdale centre, 39 London Road, EN2 6DS 25th and 26th October Oasis Academy Hadley, EN3 4PX Autumn / Winter 2019

Events Big Band At Christmas

Swing ‘n’ sing-along into Christmas with the unique Five Star Swing Big Band show – As featured at London’s Leicester Square Theatre and BBC “Children in Need”. November 10, 2019 at 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, London N18 1PJ

Snow White at Chickenshed

It’s the most swinging Christmas show around! Roll up, roll up for a magical new musical version of a familiar tale – a mammoth production guaranteed to fill the festive period with heart-warming cheer. Set in a colourful 1960s world where traditional roles are changing fast, what better place for a modern Snow White to ‘find’ herself – in all senses of the word? An unbelievably huge cast of all ages, a stunning original score and with an upbeat message of how anyone can get to choose the ending of their own story – well, why would you go anywhere else? Dates: 27 Nov – 11 Jan Tickets: from £10

of Christmas. This year the vast range of stands offer high quality and good value products, ranging from gift ideas, stocking fillers and unique handmade crafts. Shop locally and with friends and family, treat yourself to our mulled wine whilst you enjoy a festive evening in a beautiful historic setting! Friday 29th November, 4-9pm, Saturday 30th November, 11am-4pm Sunday 1st December 2019, 11am-4pm

Forty Hall, Forty Hill, Enfield, EN2 9HA

Cinderella: The Rockin Panto

The local panto is suitable for all ages and shown throughout the festive season 30th November – 5th January The Arts Depot 5 Nether St, North Finchley, London N12 0GA

The Christmas Night Market and Christmas Fayre Weekend

Join us for our annual Christmas shopping extravaganza at Forty Hall. Come and wander through stunning period rooms where there will be a stunning selection of creative stalls and sellers. Visitors will be able to pick up a unique selection of gifts for loved ones ahead

Autumn / Winter 2019

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Christmas Tales

Our fun and festive show, Christmas Tales, is back for another year! With a sprinkle of magical snowflakes, Tales from the Shed has been supersized to bring this colourful, energetic and vibrant show to our biggest and brightest stage, the Rayne Theatre. With puppets, singing, dancing and some larger-than-life characters, Christmas Tales is guaranteed to entertain the very youngest of audience (and grown-ups too!), leaving everyone happy and joyful at this most wonderful time of the year! Dates: 2 – 30 Dec | Dugdale Theatre Tickets: £10 | Family Ticket £35

OUR TOP 5 RECOMMENDATIONS OF CHILD FRIENDLY PLACES TO EAT OUT

• The Farmhouse Essex

Why – There is a play area on site Netherhouse Farm, Sewardstone Rd, Waltham Abbey, London E4 7RJ

• Trent Park Country Club Why? Jungle Falls mini golf is on site too Bramley Road, London N14 4UW

• The Winchmore Pub

Why? There are Board Games, Books and an outdoor area 235 Winchmore Hill Rd, Winchmore Hill, London N21 1QA

• The Plough Crews Hill Why? There is an outdoor play area Cattlegate Rd, Enfield EN2 9DJ

• Thymari

Why? Healthy options are on the menu for children 18 Crescent W, Hadley Wood, Barnet EN4 0EJ

www.sophias-diary.com

Autumn / Winter 2019

@simpleandgood_enfield

/Simpleandgood

Welcome to Enfield's first 100% vegan eatery! Whether you are vegan or not it does not matter! Everyone is welcome!

4st Onge Parade, EN1 1YU, Enfield Town www.sophias-diary.com

Autumn / Winter 2019

27 Nov - 11 Jan